A multi-sport event, the 19th Asian Games, is just around the corner. For cricket fans, it is a homecoming of sorts as the Hangzhou Asian Games will witness the return of cricket after 2014. What makes the event more special is the fact that Team India is set to make their debut in the Asian Games, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the Men’s team and Harmanpreet Kaur leading the Women’s team.
Cricket events will begin on 19th September 2023, with the final being played on 25th September 2023. India will start their campaign straight in the quarter-finals along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The schedule for the game is as follows:
| DATE | MATCH(ES) | TIME (IST) |
19-Sep-23 |
Indonesia v Mongolia | 9:30 AM |
| Hong Kong v Malaysia | 2:30 PM | |
| 20-Sep-23 | Qualifier quarter-final (TBD v TBD) | 9:30 AM |
21-Sep-23 |
Quarter-final (India v TBD) | 9:30 AM |
| Quarter-final (Pakistan v TBD) | 2:30 PM | |
22-Sep-23 |
Quarter-final (Sri Lanka v TBD) | 9:30 AM |
| Quarter-final (Bangladesh v TBD) | 2:30 PM | |
24-Sep-23 |
Semi-final (TBD v TBD) | 9:30 AM |
| Semi-final (TBD v TBD) | 2:30 PM | |
25-Sep-23 |
Bronze medal match (TBD v TBD) | 9:30 AM |
| Gold medal match — Final (TBD v TBD) | 2:30 PM |
The Indian team will be led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. In an additional boost, all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been added to the squad. She will be replacing Anjali Sarvani, who is recovering from an injury. Vastrakar’s inclusion in the squad is great news as captain Harmanpreet Kaur will not be able to play the first two games due to her suspension by ICC. Moreover, Vastrakar is an exceptional lower-middle-order batter and her magnificent strokeplay can help India accelerate the innings in the death overs and reach a good total. Her bowling also provides the team with crucial breakthroughs.
Team 🇮🇳 Women's squad for 19th Asian Games:#CricketTwitter #AsianGames2023 pic.twitter.com/bwx51TlQU0
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 17, 2023
Another good news for the Indian team is that middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues is in great form. She was one of the standout players in the series against Bangladesh. She has displayed her ability to anchor the innings and is also a great striker of the ball. The team will be hoping that she continues her impressive run into the Asian Games.
The Asian Games promise exciting cricketing contests that will keep fans at the edge of their seats. The chance to bring the gold medal home after a silver at the Commonwealth Games will be motivating the Indian squad. The team will be hoping to overcome their challenges, play some exceptional cricket, and get to stand at the podium.
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